Many films in cinematic history have been based on a romanticized heist. Some are shite. The Bank Job was one that I was forced to watch on a plane ride back home recently, and I almost gagged at just how horrible and formulaic it was. On the other hand, there are others that are done quite well, and they sometimes have the potential to become classics (think Reservoir Dogs and Ocean's 11, the original one).

Stone of Destiny goes a small step further with the classic caper genre and integrates a little Scottish nationalism in the mix. The film, based on the memoirs of Ian Hamilton, recreates the story of four exuberant Scottish youth who, on Christmas day in 1950, travel by car south to Westminster Abbey in London and successfully steal the Stone of Destiny (also commonly known as the Stone of Scone). The theft, although futile as the stone was returned to the Abbey shortly thereafter, created a large stir amongst Scots all over the world and helped to reinvigorate Scottish national pride within the population. This eventually led to the official return of the stone back to Scotland decades later in 1996 (with the stipulation that the symbol be transported back to England for any future coronation ceremonies).

I found the film, although simplistic in plot and quite predictable, alright overall. The movie doesn't get off to a good start, with mediocre performances by Billy Boyd (Pippin from Lord of the Rings) and the lead character, Charlie Cox, early on. The "planning-the-operation" montage is just silly and overdone. Things finally do get rolling however when they film finally focuses on the heist itself. The method by which they steal the stone was surprising in itself... almost unbelievable. But who says a heist has to be elaborate.

The movie works by playing on the emotional side of things. It's not a statement at all about oppression under the British crown, as there is no British vilification in this movie (that would have been too easy). It's more of a kind of unknown-Joe-becomes-a-hero type of flick, chalk full of heartwarming (almost cheesy) scenes of familial love and friendship. The most memorable and moving scene occurs when the Scots first react to news of the heist (I admit, it was slightly tear-jerking). It was also somewhat easy for director Charles Martin Smith to make the film grandiose in nature. All he had to do was add a few breathtaking shots of the rolling Scottish countryside, and voila. All-in-all, these things combine to make a decent feel-good movie about a petty theft.

The audience at the media screening also seemed to agree that the film was good, and gave it a round of applause at its conclusion. I personally recommend this movie as one to watch if you're in the mood for something simple and cheery.

Perhaps afterward you'll even be inspired to do your own symbolic deed.

Stone of Destiny plays one more time on Wednesday, October 8, 11:30am at Empire Granville 3.

Image courtesy of the VIFF Photo Library.